Roland Garros experienced one of its most intense days, not because of what happened on the court, but because of what was said off it. Just before the eagerly awaited semifinal between Carlos Alcaraz and Alexander Zverev, the German-Russian tennis player sparked a media storm with an unusual and provocative accusation that shook the atmosphere of concentration and respect that usually surrounds major duels.
In a press conference that initially seemed routine, Zverev uttered a phrase that quickly spread throughout the tennis world: “I’ve seen strange things in Alcaraz’s matches. I’m not going to go into details, but there are refereeing decisions that I find… striking.” Without proof, without names, but with a clear intention, his words were enough to set social media ablaze and ignite controversy.
The journalists present were perplexed. Some thought it was a ploy to destabilize the young Spaniard. Others believed that perhaps Zverev knew more than he was willing to share. Whatever the case, the bomb had already been dropped.
Carlos Alcaraz, upon being informed of these statements, was quick to respond. In a spontaneous interview organized in the stadium corridors, the Murcia native firmly stated: “I think it’s very low to insinuate something like that. I play fair. I always have. I don’t need my name tarnished just before a semi-final.” He then formally requested that the referee assigned to the match be changed, arguing that it was necessary to guarantee complete impartiality given the magnitude of the controversy.
The crowd’s reaction was swift. While some showed support for Zverev for daring to say what others might think, the majority sided with Alcaraz. “Carlos is an example on and off the court. This is a total lack of respect,” said a Spanish fan in the stands. Social media also exploded with thousands of messages of support for the young prodigy.
From within the circuit, voices were also heard. Rafael Nadal, Alcaraz’s mentor and admirer, was blunt: “I’ve known Carlos since he was a child. I’ve never seen him cheat or take shortcuts. This accusation is unfounded.” Meanwhile, Serbian Novak Djokovic diplomatically opined: “These things should be resolved on the court, not in front of microphones.”
Despite the tension, the match went as planned. And, as if trying to answer all the questions on the court, Alcaraz delivered one of his best performances of the tournament. The match was epic, with five high-level sets and moments of maximum tension. In the end, the Spaniard prevailed with courage and technique, sealing his place in the grand final.
After the match, far from celebrating euphoria, Alcaraz simply said: “My answer was the game. I hope that’s enough.”
Zverev, for his part, offered no immediate comment. Some rumors suggest that his team tried to contact the Alcaraz native after the match to “clear things up,” although this has not been confirmed.
What is certain is that Roland Garros 2025 will be remembered not only for the level of tennis, but for this war of words that almost overshadowed the sporting spectacle. And, as so often in the history of tennis, in the end it was the racket that had the last word.
